A Division II basketball player for St. Leo University (Fla.) was suspended for the remainder of 2019 after committing one of the more egregious cheap shots we’ve seen on a basketball court.
During a Dec. 7 game against Nova Southeastern University, St. Leo senior guard Isaiah Hill could be seen throwing a sucker punch or elbow at the head of Nova Southeastern’s Nick Smith.
Smith went down immediately and grabbed his head in pain. The baseline official should’ve had a clear view of the vicious foul but somehow missed the contact. As play continued, Smith was nearly stepped on by another St. Leo player before eventually getting back to his feet.
It’s NCAA Div. 2 game in Florida. But I bring it up because it’s surreal & former WPIAL standout Nick Smith is on the end of one of the most horrific cheap shots you’ll ever see. Also surreal official standing right next to it & nothing happens to this Saint Leo’s U. player. pic.twitter.com/Tv1ygleVOO
— Mike White (@mwhiteburgh) December 8, 2019
Just brutal.
The school took action against Hill after the video made rounds on social media. The school’s athletic director, Fran Reidy, released a statement about Hill’s suspension this week:
“Isaiah’s conduct on the court is not an accurate representation of Saint Leo’s core values. Saint Leo University holds its students to high standards of moral and ethical conduct as a reflection of Benedictine values. Upon review of Isaiah’s actions this past Saturday, he will not represent Saint Leo University in competition for the remainder of 2019.”
That would make Hill eligible to return for the Jan. 2 game against Rollins after serving a two-game suspension.
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